Islamic State-inspired extremist jailed for life over plot for Lee Rigby-style attack on Remembrance Day

From the London Evening Standard

An Islamic State-inspired extremist who plotted to behead a British poppy seller in the street on Remembrance Day has been jailed for life. Nadir Syed, 23, wanted to emulate the brutal murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby as he planned a horrific attack on the day set aside for honouring the war dead.

He had bought an 11-inch knife to use in the decapitation, and targeted a poppy seller or another member of the public linked to Remembrance Day.

He was convicted at trial last December of plotting a terrorist attack, and today was sentenced at the Old Bailey to life with a minimum of 15 years behind bars.

Mr Justice Saunders warned Syed “will remain dangerous until the threat from Islamic terrorist has gone” and may never be freed from prison.

The long-haired jihadist stroked his long beard but displayed little emotion as he was sentenced.

“I am satisfied that the act of terrorism that the defendant intended to commit was to attack a person in the street and decapitate him or her.”

The judge added: “If he was released from prison, he would go and try to carry out what he had failed to achieve in this case. He would set out to kill in furtherance of his beliefs. He is an intelligent man, he had thought out what he wanted to do. There was no sign in evidence he gave of any change of view on his part.”